Richard Perchlik

Richard Perchlik (April 22, 1928 - April 28, 1988) was an active Democratic Party leader in Greeley, Colorado and a professor of Political Science at the University of Northern Colorado. He married Sylvia (Marston) Perchlik and was father to Thomas, David, Laura and Andrew. Richard Perchlik began working for Colorado State College (later became the University of Northern Colorado) in 1961 as a Political Science professor. He served as the first Chair of the Political Science Department at the University for over two decades, and served on The Educational Planning Service. [http://www.unco.edu/library/archives/arc_rg06s03f05-1.htm] University of Northern Colorado Archives] After his death a Political Science scholarship was created in his name. [ [http://www.unco.edu/OFA/scholarships/undergrad/undergrad.asp] University of Northern Colorado Office of Financial Aid] Throughout his teaching career he was active in the Democratic party at local and state levels and once represented the state as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention. [Political Scientists and the 1980 National Party Convention Kathleen L. BarberPS, Vol. 14, No. 1 (Winter, 1981), pp. 6-8] Though he ran as a Democrat in a heavily Republican area he was elected Mayor of Greeley twice, in 1969 and 1971. As Mayor he initiated several public works projects and, in order to make government more accessible, began broadcasting City Council meetings on local radio. It was during his first term as Mayor that he decided to run against Wayne N. Aspinall for the Fourth District US State Representative seat. Though Perchlik lost the race his challenge exposed Aspinall's political weaknesses that would be used to challenge him successfully in 1972. Richard was also the owner and operator of Sharktooth Ski Area from 1970 to 1985. [ [http://greeleytrib.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20020825/NEWS/108250031&SearchID=73190324853937&template=printart] Greeley Tribune newspaper article on local place names]

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